Anthropology Course Descriptions

LOWER-DIVISION COURSES

1. Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Using an evolutionary framework, we examine how past and current human variation is measured, our place in nature, human genetics, human and nonhuman primate biology and behavior, the primate and hominin fossil record, and the origin and meaning of human biological and behavioral variation. Students gain experience in biological anthropology methods, data analysis and interpretation, and the theoretical frameworks that guide our understanding of what it means to be human. (Laboratory 15 hours.)OC: Fulfills Natural Science Lab Core Requirement. NC: Fulfills Natural Science requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Values in Science and Technology.

2. Introduction to Archaeology

How do archaeologists understand the past? Examination of the methods archaeologists use to study the past and interpret ancient cultures. Selective survey of the human cultures over time in different regions of the world. (Laboratory 15 hours.) OC: Fulfills Social Science or Natural Science Lab Core requirements. NC: Fulfills either Natural Science or Social Science requirement - not both. Pathway: Fulfills Values in Science and Technology Pathway.

3. Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology

This course provides an introduction to the subject matter, research methods, and applications of cultural anthropology. Its purpose is to help students understand how different human groups think and live, how they cope with life’s demands and expectations, and how they make sense of the world. Students are required to participate in Arrupe Center placements to gain additional experience with diverse cultural groups. FOOTNOTE: Fulfills the International Studies. OC: Fulfills Social Science and World Cultures/Societies (Area Studies/Regional) requirements. NC: Fulfills Social Science and Experiential Learningrequirements.

4. Vanished People and Lost Civilizations

Examination of “popular archaeology.” Humans and their cultures, human origins, and the development of understanding human behavior and technologies. Evaluation of theories and assumptions in the popular literature in light of current anthropological knowledge. OC: Fulfills Social Science requirement. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology and Society requirement.

5. Popular Culture and Bioanthropology

From King Kong to Clan of the Cave Bear, students examine popular culture interpretations of biological anthropology. After reviewing the history of biological anthropology, we analyze popular avenues (film, cartoons, newspapers, fiction) through which the public has been informed about human variation, the human fossil record, primate behavior, and human genetics. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement.Pathway: Fulfills Values in Science and Technology.

11A. and 12A. Cultures and Ideas I and II

A two-course sequence focusing on a major theme in human experience and culture over a significant period of time. Courses emphasize either broad global interconnections or the construction of Western culture in its global context. Courses may address measuring humanity, peace and violence, social change in the Middle East, and other topics. NC: Fulfills Cultures and Ideas 1&2 requirements.

50. World Geography

This survey course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the main physical, political, and cultural features of the globe. It highlights the geographic place and nature of contemporary global problems of hunger and poverty, political conflict, and deteriorating environmental conditions. . FOOTNOTE: Fulfills the International Studies, International Business requirements.OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Sustainability Pathway.

56. Anthropology of Religion

Relationship between religion culture, personality, and social organization. Theories on the function of myth, ritual, and symbols. Religious leaders, interpretations of death and afterlife, traditional curing, and religious movements and cults. OC: Fulfills Second level Religious Studies requirement.

86. Native American Cultures

Study of selected Native American cultures. Examination of changes in recent history as well as contemporary issues in indigenous cultures. OC: Fulfills Ethnic Studies and United States requirements.

91. Lower-Division Seminar in Anthropology

Seminar for freshmen and sophomores on selected issues in anthropology. By permission of the instructor only.

UPPER-DIVISION COURSES

110. Anthropological Theory

This course provides an historical survey of the development of different areas of anthropological theory.By exploring original and secondary writings, students are able to understand how theoretical frameworks differ from each other and how anthropology has evolved as a discipline. Required for majors and minor in anthropology. Students should take this class winter quarter of their junior year.

112. Anthropological Methods

Research procedures and theoretical issues associated with anthropological practice. Skills and methods of (qualitative and quantitative) research design and analysis are explored in readings and exercises. Required for majors in anthropology. Prerequisites: ANTH 1, 2, 3, with grades of C– or better, or special permission of the department chair.

114. Senior Project

An in-depth writing intensive senior seminar in anthropology. Topic will change annually. Required for majors in anthropology. Prerequisite: ANTH 112 with a grade of C– or better, or special permission of the department chair.NC: Fulfills Advanced Writing requirement.

130. Primate Behavioral Ecology

Fundamental concepts related to the study of primate behavior and ecology. Course focuses on the theoretical frameworks that guide primate behavioral studies, including in-depth empirical exploration of adaptation, comparative primate behavior, ecology, field studies, and classification. ‘How do we know what we think we know?’ Critical evaluation of core concepts in primate behavioral ecology as well as data collection, presentation, and interpretation in primate field studies. OC: Fulfills non lab Natural Science requirement. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society.Pathway: Fulfills Values in Science and Technology.

132. Paleoanthropology

How do we know what we think we know about human evolution? Students explore this question by reading primary literature, examining fossil and comparative data, and exploring current technology for interpreting hominin evolution. Class reviews evolutionary theory and the varying levels with which paleoanthropological analysis can be applied to understanding past and present variation. OC: Fulfills non lab Natural Science requirement. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement.Pathway: Fulfills Values in Science and Technology.

133. Human Nutrition and Culture

Study of the interactions of biology and culture in shaping the dietary patterns and nutritional status of human beings. Discussion of the evolution of the human diet and nutritional requirements; the basic principles of human nutrition and nutritional assessment; and the social, economic, and political factors that influence the nutritional health of human societies today. OC: Fulfills non lab Natural Science and Technology requirements. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Food, Hunger, Poverty, Environment; Global Health; Values in Science and Technology.

134. Health, Disease, and Culture

Emphasizes the study of health and disease in ecological perspective; the influence of culture on the ways people explain and treat illness, stress, and healing; and the complexities of health care delivery in pluralistic societies. OC: Fulfills non lab Natural Science requirement. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement.

135. Human Development and Sexuality

Examination of evolutionary, biological, and sociocultural aspects of human growth, development, and sexuality throughout the life cycle. Special emphasis on prenatal development, pregnancy and birth, infancy and young childhood, adolescence, and old age in a range of societies. OC: Fulfills non lab Natural Science requirement. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement.Pathway: Fulfills Values in Science and Technology.

136. Forensic Anthropology

Using physical remains to learn what we can about the age, gender, and other characteristics of deceased people, including their nutrition, exposure to diseases, experience with serious accidents, and causes of death. OC: Fulfills non lab Natural Science requirement. Course restricted to Juniors and Seniors only.NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement.

140. Food, Culture, and the Environment

Exploration of the history and impact that food choices have made on human societies. Several foods that have become staples in the world today, like sugar, pepper, and various grains, have significantly affected the environment, patterns of land use, economy (both local and global), cuisine, and the meaning of meals and food sharing. Class topics illustrate how food choices shape cultural groups and interaction, as well as how they shape environmental change. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Food, Hunger, Poverty, Environment; Global Health; Sustainability;Values in Science and Technology.

142. Environmental Archaeology

How archaeologists use environmental data to understand past human societies. Discussion topics include issues of human evolution, complexity, symbolism, social interaction, and technology. Discussion of the data and arguments offered for the role of environments in creating and shaping cultures—how environments and people shape each other. OC: Fulfills non lab Natural Science requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Sustainability.

145. Historical Ecology

Historical ecology investigates the historical relationships between cultures and their environments. Students will use various types of data, including historical documents, maps, and land use information, to learn how to reconstruct the historical ecology of the Santa Clara Valley.NC: Fulfills Science, Technology and Society

146. Perspectives on the Spanish and Native American Experience

Examines the Spanish penetration and conquest of the New World. Considers changes that influenced both the Native Americans and European immigrant populations to form new ethnic groupings. Ethnohistorical, documentary, and archaeological records applied to explore relevant topics. FOOTNOTE: Fulfills the Ethnic Studies requirement within the College of Arts & Sciences and part of the Minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies program.OC: Fulfills the United States requirement.

147. Archaeology of Complex Societies

The world and people have changed radically in the last 10,000 years with the domestication of plants and animals and the development of cities and states. We examine the archaeological evidence in different regions of the world (after 12,000 B.C.) to understand how and why these transformations occurred. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. NC: Fulfills Science, Technology, and Society requirement.Pathway: Fulfills Values in Science and Technology.

148. Historical Archaeology

Introduction to the discipline of historical archaeology focusing particularly on colonial & US contexts. Its emergence and development, including controversies regarding its relationships with the larger fields of history and anthropology. Introduction to the variety of data sources used by historical archaeologists to aid in interpretation of the historical past.NC: Fulfills the Diversity requirement.

150. Religion in Culture and Society

Multiple manifestations of religious beliefs and practices found in societies throughout the world are examined, both in the past and present. Utilizing anthropology’s ethnographic tools, this course explores the intersection of religion and culture by focusing on a cross-cultural study of religious values, symbols, social identities, and ritual practices.OC: Fulfills Third Level Religious Studies requirement. NC: Fulfills the Religion, Theology, and Culture 2 requirement.

151. Law and Society

Current issues in the study of law and society. Exploration of legal systems at various levels of societal complexity to understand the basis for social control in all human

Cross-cultural examination of political behavior in a range of human societies and the effects of social, cultural, and environmental factors on political organization. Religion and politics, the role of women in politics, ethnic competition, secret societies, political ritual and ceremony, and the effects of colonialism and economic change. Special emphasis on the relationship between local communities and national governments.NC: Fulfills the Cultures and Idea 3 requirement.

154. Environmental Anthropology

Survey of the theories and methods used to examine the complex and dynamic interactions between humans and their physical environment (past and present). An emphasis is placed on the relationships between human cultural systems and ecological contexts by focusing on how humans use and transform ecosystems and how such interactions shape social, political, and economic institutions. Topics include political ecology, environmental justice, ecotourism, and natural resource exploration. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. NC: Fulfills Civic Engagement requirements.

155. Conflict Resolution

Examines sources and responses to conflict in varied social and cultural contexts. Emphasis on application of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration in different fields. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. NC: Fulfills Civic Engagement requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Law and Social Justice; Public Policy.

156. Anthropology of Muslim Peoples and Practices

Examination of the variety of religious experiences, activities, and interpretations, and the place of Islam in current social and political life such as community organization, local-level politics, governments and political resistance, women’s roles and gender, and contact with the West. Discussion about underlying reasons for the resurgence of Islam and effects for Muslim peoples and societies. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Area Studies/Regional) requirement. NC: Fulfills Cultures and Ideas 3 requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Islamic Studies.

157. Family, Kin & Culture

Ways in which kinship and family life can be organized. Causes and consequences of different family patterns. How families differ across cultures, over time, and among different groups in the United States. OC: Fulfills Women’s Studies and United States requirements. NC: Fulfills the Diversity requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; Childhood, Family, & Society; American Studies.

158. Applied Anthropology

Application of anthropological knowledge to contemporary human problems. Topics range from the introduction of new forms of economy through international development to anthropologists’ work in refugee resettlement, environmental conservation, public health, social justice movements, and others. Also examined are the ethical dilemmas that emerge from applying anthropological techniques and data. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. NC: Fulfills Civic Engagement requirement.

159. Globalization and Culture Change

This 2-unit course addresses the problem of global poverty and culture change in a world where rapid globalization is creating wealth for a few and unspeakable misery for most. It examines the complex question of how our planet has become a place where the majority of humankind lives at a level of dehumanizing poverty while a minority enjoys wealth and abundance. OC: Fulfills the World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. NC: Fulfills Experiential Learning requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Food, Hunger, Poverty, Environment; Vocation.

170. Women, Gender, and Sexuality (Cross-listed as WGST 187)

Cross-cultural examination of the roles, statuses, sexuality, and gender constructions of females and males through monographs, films, and guest speakers. Exploration of factors affecting the lives of women and men, such as domestic and public realms of activities, contested identities, political and economic factors, social change, religion, family, and socialization. OC: Fulfills Ethnic Studies and Women’s Studies requirements. NC: Fulfills Diversity requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; American Studies.

172. Anthropology of Aging

Examination of aging and the elderly in a range of human societies. Emphasis on social change, gender, and social and geographic mobility, as well as social, political, and cultural differences in understanding how the elderly adapt to, and cope with, the modern world. OC: Fulfills requirements for Gerontology Certificate as well as the World Cultures/Societies (Global/Thematic) requirement. NC: Fulfills the Cultures and Ideas 3 requirement. Pathway: Children, Family & Society.

Examines the transformation of Pacific Island societies in response to globalization. Change in island cultures, effects of urbanization, and the migration of diasporic communities are studied. Connections made between Pacific Island areas of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia and other world regions. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Area Studies/Regional) requirement.

185. Peoples of Latin America

Examines the diversity of Latin America, a continent of great physical, archaeological, cultural, and socioeconomic contrasts; the mix of races and cultural traditions; human adaptation to the natural environment; economic and social inequalities; and the common heritage of Latin American peoples. FOOTNOTE: Fulfills the International Studies and International Business minors requirements OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Area Studies/Regional) requirement.NC: Fulfills Cultures and Ideas 3 requirement.

186. Mesoamerican Prehistory

A survey of the prehistoric cultures of Mesoamerica from earliest human occupation to European colonization. Examines the origins of agriculture, village life, and the rise and fall of state-level societies through the work of archaeologists and epigraphists. Consideration given to the ecological adaptations, social organization, and belief systems of the Aztecs, Toltecs, Maya, and the inhabitants of Teotihuacan. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Area Studies/Regional) requirement. NC: Fulfills the Culture & Ideas 3 requirement.

187. Middle East: Gender & Sexuality (Cross-listed as WGST 120)

Examination through monographs, novels, guest speakers, and films of the situations and activities of Middle Eastern women in a variety of geographical and class settings. Topics include gender, sexuality and the body, women in economic and political process, family and kinship, war, and revolution. Women and gender symbolism as related to politics, development, social change, and religious resurgence. OC: Fulfills Ethnic Studies, Women’s Studies, and World Cultures Area/Regional requirements. NC: Fulfills Cultures and Ideas 3 requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; Islamic Studies.

188. Middle East: Culture & Change

Examination of people’s lives, social organization, and change in the Middle East through archaeological evidence, ethnographies, film, and novels. Emphasis on political culture, the fate of tribal peoples and peasants under modernizing nations, women in society and gender symbolism, contact with the West, Islam and religious resurgence, and revolution. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Area Studies/Regional) requirement. NC: Fulfills the Cultures and Ideas 3 requirement. Pathway: Fulfills Islamic Studies; Politics and Religion.

189. North American Prehistory

Survey of the prehistoric cultures of North America and Northern Mexico from earliest human colonization to European colonization. OC: Fulfills World Cultures/Societies (Area Studies/Regional) requirement.

190. Advanced Seminar in Anthropology

Seminars for juniors and seniors on selected topics in anthropology. By permission of the instructor only.

194. Peer Educators

Peer educators in anthropology work closely with a faculty member to help students understand course material, think more deeply about course material, benefit from collaborative learning, feel less anxious about testing situations, and/or help students enjoy learning. By permission of the instructor only.

195. Field Course in Anthropological Methods

On-site anthropological field research in any of the subfields of anthropology. Practical experience in the basic techniques of observation and field analyses. By permission of the chair and instructor only.

196. Archaeological Method and Theory

Introduction to the techniques of discovery and analysis that archaeologists have found useful in research. Special attention to sampling techniques in survey and excavation. Classification techniques for measuring parameters of prehistoric demography, diet, craft specialization, and exchange.

198. Internship

Opportunity for students to work and conduct anthropological analyses in community agencies, museums, government agencies, political or industrial organizations, and anthropological field schools. May be repeated for credit with approval of the chair. Required for majors in anthropology. Must receive approval of the internship coordinator prior to registration. Internship placements should be completed prior to fall quarter of senior year. Students must enroll in the internship class during the fall of their senior year.

199. Directed Reading/Directed Research

Intensive reading in areas not emphasized by the department. Independent research on specific topics not fully covered in departmental courses. May be repeated for credit with approval of the chair. Written departmental approval necessary prior to registration.